Wind energy could create 10,700 jobs, committee hears

By Mary Regan Political Reporter

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

WIND energy has the potential to create more than 10,700 jobs including 7,000 in the construction sector, an Oireachtas committee has heard.

The Irish Wind Energy Association (IWEA) said Ireland can be a world leader in wind energy which would be worth up to €14 billion to the economy.

But it warned that the Government must not renege on it’s commitment to producing 40% of its energy from renewable sources by 2020 because of poor public finances.

IWEA chief executive Dr Michael Walsh said wind energy will drive significant investment, particularly in rural areas, with Connaught and Munster to benefit most from job creation.

He said this will not happen unless the Government keeps its commitment.

"We are a country with some of the best wind resources in the world and we have a strong political commitment," he said.

"We believe Ireland can be an international leader. But now is the time to act. It’s very important that we don’t start retreating in and looking back at the decisions we have already made.

"We are in a situation at the moment where there is going to be a global economic recovery over the next couple of years and it is very important that we take action now that will position us to take those opportunities in the renewable sector when they start emerging more," he said.

Chairman of the Committee on Energy, Communications and Natural Resources, Fianna Fáil TD MJ Nolan, said the location and construction of wind turbines to produce energy must be managed sensitively.

"Care must be taken when deciding where to locate wind turbines. There must be consultation with local communities in the proposed areas where turbines might be situated. Considerations such as environmental impact and effect on areas of natural beauty must be taken into account," he said.

This story appeared in the printed version of the Irish Examiner Wednesday, July 15, 2009